No rehearsals, only performances

People going in and out of Valletta have different views on the Piano project notwithstanding the fact that this gentleman is a world renowned architect. Some give credit to those who had the vision and courage to lead this project while others hate to have to live in this period of time. Turning this project from rough sketches, to detailed technical drawings, to life-size structures is in itself an accomplishment, generating work opportunities for many people in the construction and ancillary industries.

I am trying to look at this project from a different angle. I leave it in the hands of the true experts to take the decisions and implement the necessary measures to protect the national heritage and, possibly, architecturally enhance the capital city.

I find the new Parliament building that will stand next to the majestic roofless opera house intriguing in more ways than one.

The two large important buildings nestled next to each other could possible cause some confusion in the minds of people because in both structures high drama takes place with leading performers and prima donnas playing Superman, Robin Hood or Zorro as the case may be.

From a theatrical viewpoint we have a reasonable number of performers who have reached a very high standard, entertaining numerous audiences with spectacular performances. In the vast majority of theatrical performances of whatever genre, theatre lovers appreciate the genuine efforts of the performers. The only difference between those performing in Parliament and those performing in the proposed theatre is the payment they receive for performing their acts.

With regard to our parliamentarians’ performances, I am not sure whether people do recognise the efforts these selected few put in. While some are more eloquent than others and some well prepared than most, a handful of parliamentarians work incessantly towards achieving better quality of life for all apart from pursuing other national objectives. A small number of them have the attitude to use Parliament like the high end of society social club. One hardly hears them utter a comment let alone participate in a debate.

I follow the debates in Parliament and have formed an opinion based on various circumstances and events. It strikes me that, more often than one would imagine, parliamentarians turn up late due to other engagements. Most members would still be trailing in corridors or in the vicinity of the building at question time.

In my opinion, question time remains an important part of the proceedings in Parliament: 30 minutes of questioning, revealing necessary information about the work of the government. However, it is regretted that some ministers fail miserably with their evasive replies and some MPs on the opposition benches ask inane questions and continue to waste precious question time by pushing supplementary questions and raising points of order.

With Parliament next to the theatre, we will hopefully experience an upward shift in local politics. Since parliamentarians hold a representative seat in one of the highest offices on the island we would expect them to act as such.

I recall a time when it was alleged that, against a fee, the driver of a certain minister could lead you to obtain a colour television set, a fixed telephone line or other more important things in life that may not be rightfully yours. Presently ministers’ aides could help you to be granted a meeting with the minister or to obtain what is rightfully yours.

At times, one wonders who is really leading this country. One may also speculate whether the elected politicians are still in control as some of the ministers’ aides appear to take over the role of their master. Ministers and parliamentary secretaries cannot shift their responsibility onto their aides. Aides are not elected and are not accountable to the electorate. Only members of Parliament are accountable to the people who entrusted them with their vote. Ministers and parliamentary secretaries are vested with the authority to lead the country forward with the guidance of civil service personnel.

With the two buildings mentioned above next to each other, people will have a wider selection and a difficult task to choose between the best performers, notwithstanding the fact that we all know that in our daily life there are no rehearsals but only performances. Shades of grey do not come into play in politics. It is either black or white. One cannot have both.

gvella@uhm.org.mt

The author is general secretary of Union Ħaddiema Magħqudin.